IN LONDON: The European Commission intends to invest €222 million ($367.67 million) towards advancing fusion energy from laboratories to the power grid, as part of the 2026-27 Euratom Research and Training Programme.
The 2026-27 work program aims to bolster the EU’s energy independence, competitiveness and technological leadership, while also progressing towards carbon-neutrality by 2050. In parallel, it will also support the development of fusion-relevant technologies – a stepping stone towards the upcoming EU Fusion Strategy.
As part of the commission’s latest investment, a new European public-private partnership will be established for fusion energy to help develop commercially viable fusion technologies and build a strong European supply chain.
The investment will also support fusion-related challenges under the European Innovation Council’s instruments to help emerging fusion start-ups grow and mature their technologies in the EU. Fusion research and the development of fusion-skills talent will also be prioritised, alongside joint exploitation of research facilities.
Nuclear fission splits heavy atoms, such as uranium, into smaller fragments using neutrons which releases energy and triggers a chain reaction used in power plants. Nuclear fusion joins light atoms, such as hydrogen, into heavier ones under extreme pressure and temperatures which produces more energy with minimal waste.
With the EU electricity demand forecast to double by 2050, the 2026-27 work program is designed to strengthen the EU’s ability to rely on research excellence, innovation and talents to safely develop ‘made in Europe’ clean and low-carbon technologies.
In nuclear fission, the collaborative research focuses on the safe management of radioactive waste, radiation protection and innovation in nuclear materials. The program also addresses research encompassing the safety of long-term operation of current nuclear power plants, SMRs, advanced reactors and nuclear fuels.
The Euratom Research and Training Programme is the EU’s initiative focused on nuclear research and training, advancing fusion energy, improving nuclear safety and security, alongside radiation protection and waste management. It ensures open access to infrastructure, education and international cooperation.
According to Eurostat’s latest Energy in Europe report, the main energy product category imported in 2024, was oil and petroleum products, accounting for 67$ of energy imports into the EU.
This is followed by natural gas (24%), solid fossil fuels (4%), electricity (3%) and renewable energy (2%).
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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